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ОглавлениеINTRODUCTION
Welcome to 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Boston! Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned hiker, take a few minutes to read the following introduction. We’ll explain how this book is organized and how to get the best use of it.
About This Book
From the air, if you’re coming into or leaving Logan International Airport, you can see the large amount of densely wooded green space around the Boston area—the Emerald Necklace, as envisioned by Fredrick Law Olmsted. So it was not a challenge to find 60 hikes within 60 miles of Boston Common. The challenge was narrowing down the list to the 60 best and striking a balance between the long, lung-pounding hikes, such as the two Skyline Trails (in Middlesex Fells and Blue Hills Reservation), and the shorter, more pastoral walks through the woods. Every hike presented here has something special to offer. Whether you live right in the thick of Boston or in the burbs, you won’t have to drive far. Here’s what the geographic sections encompass.
WITHIN BOSTON
These hikes are, as the name implies, near downtown Boston. You can also reach these riding the T, which makes accessing them even easier.
SEASIDE HIKES
There are many hikes along the circuitous coastline of Massachusetts. These hikes are all located on the shore of the mainland or even along the shores of some of the islands just off the coast.
NORTH OF BOSTON
These hikes are to the north and east of Boston, including several as far up as Cape Ann and even one just over the border in New Hampshire.
SOUTH OF BOSTON
This area includes the South Shore and many hikes near the coast of Buzzards Bay.
WEST OF BOSTON
This section features some of the more remote-feeling hikes, even though they are still well within easy driving distance. The area west of Boston is the most widespread and includes many hikes just within or outside the course of I-495.
Each of these areas includes many hikes that are fairly easy, or that could be shortened to make them even easier, so they’re great for families with young kids. You’ll also find hikes that are a bit more moderate and will get your legs moving. Most of these treks can be made even longer or shorter depending on your preference. While each follows a prescribed path, equip yourself with a map and feel free to explore on your own. Most of these hikes happen within a network of trails that intersect and overlap and beg for further exploration.
How to Use This Guidebook
OVERVIEW MAP AND LEGEND
Use the overview map to assess the exact locations of each hike’s primary trailhead. Each hike’s number appears on the overview map and in the table of contents. As you flip through the book, a hike’s full profile is easy to locate by watching for the hike number at the top of each page. The book is organized by region, as indicated in the table of contents. A map legend that details the symbols found on the trail maps appears.
REGIONAL MAPS
The book is divided into regions, and prefacing each regional section is a regional map. These provide more detail than the overview map, bringing you closer to the hikes.
TRAIL MAPS
A detailed map of each hike’s route appears with its profile. On each of these maps, symbols indicate the trailhead, the complete route, significant features, facilities, and topographic landmarks such as creeks, overlooks, and peaks.
To produce the highly accurate maps in this book, the author used a handheld GPS unit to gather data while hiking each route, and then sent that data to the publisher’s expert cartographers. However, your GPS is not a substitute for sound, sensible navigation that takes into account the conditions you observe while hiking.
Further, despite the high quality of the maps in this guidebook, the publisher and author strongly recommend you always carry an additional map, such as the ones noted in each entry’s listing for “Maps.”
ELEVATION PROFILES
For trails with significant elevation changes, the hike description will include this profile graph. Entries for fairly flat routes will not display an elevation profile.
For hike descriptions where the elevation profile is included, this diagram represents the rises and falls of the trail as viewed from the side, over the complete distance (in miles) of that trail. On the diagram’s vertical axis, or height scale, the number of feet indicated between each tick mark lets you visualize the climb. To avoid making flat hikes look steep and steep hikes appear flat, varying height scales provide an accurate image of each hike’s climbing challenge. For example, one hike’s scale might rise to more than 1,000 feet, such as Mount Wachusett, while another follows relatively flat riverbanks.
THE HIKE PROFILE
Each profile contains a brief overview of the trail, a description of the route from start to finish, key at-a-glance information (such as the trail’s distance and configuration and contacts for local information), GPS trailhead coordinates, and directions for driving to the trailhead area. Each profile also includes a map (see “Trail Maps”) and elevation profile (if the elevation gain is 100 feet or more). Many hike profiles also include notes on nearby activities.
Key Information
The information in this box gives you a quick idea of the statistics and specifics of each hike.
DISTANCE & CONFIGURATION Distance notes the length of the hike round-trip, from start to finish. If the hike description includes options to shorten or extend the hike, those round-trip distances will also be noted here. Configuration defines the trail as a loop, an out-and-back (taking you in and out via the same route), a figure eight, or a point-to-point.
DIFFICULTY The degree of effort that a typical hiker should expect on a given route. For simplicity, the trails are rated as easy, moderate, or strenuous.
SCENERY A short summary of the attractions offered by the hike and what to expect in terms of plant life, wildlife, natural wonders, and historical features.
EXPOSURE A quick check of how much sun you can expect on your shoulders during the hike.
TRAFFIC Indicates how busy the trail might be on an average day. Trail traffic, of course, varies from day to day and season to season. Weekend days typically see the most visitors. Other trail users that may be encountered on the trail are also noted here.
TRAIL SURFACE Indicates whether the trail surface is paved, rocky, gravel, dirt, boardwalk, or a mixture of elements.
HIKING TIME How long it takes to hike the trail. A slow but steady hiker will average 2–3 miles an hour, depending on the terrain.
DRIVING DISTANCE Listed in miles from Boston Common. Even if you don’t start there, the mileages should give you an estimate of travel times from where you live.
ELEVATION Lists elevation at the trailhead and another figure for the highest or lowest altitude on the route. If there is no significant gain, that is also noted.
SEASON Names the best time of year for doing the hike, in the authors’ opinions.
ACCESS Fees or permits required to hike the trail are detailed here—and noted if there are none. Trail-access hours are also shown here.
MAPS Resources for maps, in addition to those in this guidebook, are listed here. (As previously noted, the publisher and author recommend that you carry more than one map—and that you consult those maps before heading out on the trail, to resolve any confusion or discrepancy.)
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS At-a-glance, you’ll see if there are paved sections or other areas for safely using a wheelchair.
FACILITIES This item alerts you to restrooms, water, picnic tables, and other basics at or near the trailhead.
CONTACT Listed here are phone numbers and website addresses for checking trail conditions and gleaning other day-to-day information.
LOCATION The city (or nearby community) in which the trail is located.
COMMENTS Here you will find assorted nuggets of information, such as whether or not dogs are allowed on the trails.
In Brief
Think of this section as a taste of the trail, a snapshot focused on the historical landmarks, beautiful vistas, and other sights you may encounter on the hike.
Description
The heart of each hike. Here the author provides a summary of the trail’s essence and highlights any special traits the hike offers. The route is clearly outlined, including landmarks, side trips, and possible alternate routes along the way. Ultimately, the hike description will help you choose which hikes are best for you.
Nearby Activities
Look here for information on things to do or points of interest: nearby parks, museums, restaurants, and the like. Note that not every hike has a listing.
Directions
Used in conjunction with the GPS coordinates, the driving directions will help you locate each trailhead. Once at the trailhead, park only in designated areas.
GPS Trailhead Coordinates
As noted in “Trail Maps,” the author used a handheld GPS unit to obtain geographic data and sent the information to the publisher’s cartographers. The trailhead coordinates—the intersection of the latitude (north) and longitude (west)—will orient you from the trailhead. In some cases, you can drive within viewing distance of a trailhead. Other hiking routes require a short walk to the trailhead from a parking area.
You will also note that this guidebook uses the degrees–decimal minute format for presenting the GPS coordinates.
N42° 21.650′ W71° 04.250′
The latitude and longitude grid system is likely quite familiar to you, but here is a refresher, pertinent to visualizing the GPS coordinates:
Imaginary lines of latitude—called parallels and approximately 69 miles apart from each other—run horizontally around the globe. The equator is established to be 0°, and each parallel is indicated by degrees from the equator: up to 90°N at the North Pole and down to 90°S at the South Pole.
Imaginary lines of longitude—called meridians—run perpendicular to latitude lines and are likewise indicated by degrees. Starting from 0° at the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England, they continue to the east and west until they meet 180° later at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. At the equator, longitude lines are also approximately 69 miles apart, but that distance narrows as the meridians converge toward the North and South Poles.
For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov.
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS
The maps in this book have been produced with great care and, used with the hike text, will direct you to the trail and help you stay on course. However, you’ll find superior detail and valuable information in the U.S. Geological Survey’s 7.5-minute-series topographic maps. At mytopo.com, for example, you can view and print free USGS topos of the entire United States. Online services such as Trails.com charge annual fees for additional features such as shaded relief, which makes the topography stand out more. If you expect to print out many topo maps each year, it might be worth paying for such extras. The downside to USGS maps is that most are outdated, having been created 20–30 years ago; nevertheless, they provide excellent topographic detail. Of course, Google Earth (earth.google.com) does away with topo maps and their inaccuracies, replacing them with satellite imagery and its own inaccuracies. Regardless, what one lacks, the other augments. Google Earth is an excellent tool whether you have difficulty with topos or not.
If you’re new to hiking, you might be wondering, “What’s a topo map?” In short, it indicates not only linear distance but also elevation, using contour lines. These lines spread across the map like dozens of intricate spider webs. Each line represents a particular elevation, and at the base of each topo a contour’s interval designation is given. For example, if the contour interval is 20 feet, then the distance between each contour line is 20 feet. Follow five contour lines up on the same map, and the elevation has increased by 100 feet. In addition to the sources listed previously and in Appendix B, you’ll find topos at major universities, outdoor gear shops, and some public libraries, as well as online at nationalmap.gov and store.usgs.gov.
Weather
It has been said there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. Bostonians and New Englanders as a whole pay close attention to forecasts, while simultaneously regarding them with stubborn disdain and skepticism. This is due both to disposition and to the weather’s high degree of variability, not just season to season but minute by minute. A 20° drop or upward lurch in temperature is not unheard of either on a sultry summer evening or on a silvery afternoon in winter. Often the most reliable weather predictor is a stiff wind, for it likely signals a shift from humid to dry, hot to cool, or vice versa.
Source: USClimateData.com
Boston’s proximity to the sea and all that travels along the Gulf Stream from the Gulf of Mexico to Newfoundland and on across the Atlantic Ocean largely explains its fickle weather. In summer, the soggy winds of occasional Caribbean-born hurricanes add muscle and heft to the otherwise modest surf that smacks at the shore. These winds are known to drag in heat and humidity that settles on Boston’s neighborhoods like a soggy blanket. Other storms, such as Canada-bred nor’easters, deftly carve out the heat and replace perspiration with goose bumps. Bear in mind, too, that on any given day, the temperature at the shore is well below that of inland locations.
While there is no disagreement that a brilliant sunny day with the temperature between 65° F and 70° F is ideal for a hike in the hills, in today’s age of synthetic performance fabrics, you can have a pleasant hiking experience in almost all conditions. Indeed, facing the elements when properly dressed is a distinctly satisfying pleasure. To ensure you are in league with the weather when you set out on a hike, be sure to pack extra clothing. Having a windbreaker or dry T-shirt to change into after a sweaty climb or cloudburst can make all the difference. Remember, there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.
Water
How much is enough? Well, one simple physiological fact should convince you to err on the side of excess when deciding how much water to pack: a hiker walking steadily in 90° heat needs approximately 10 quarts of fluid per day. That’s 2.5 gallons. A good rule of thumb is to hydrate prior to your hike, carry (and drink) 6 ounces of water for every mile you plan to hike, and hydrate again after the hike. For most people, the pleasures of hiking make carrying water a relatively minor price to pay to remain safe and healthy. So pack more water than you anticipate needing, even for short hikes.
If you are tempted to drink found water, do so with extreme caution. Many ponds and lakes encountered by hikers are fairly stagnant, and the water tastes terrible. Drinking such water presents inherent risks for thirsty trekkers. Giardia parasites contaminate many water sources and cause the dreaded intestinal giardiasis that can last for weeks after ingestion. For information, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/parasites/giardia.
In any case, effective treatment is essential before using any water source found along the trail. Boiling water for two to three minutes is always a safe measure for camping, but day hikers can consider iodine tablets, approved chemical mixes, filtration units rated for giardia, and UV filtration. Some of these methods (for example, filtration with an added carbon filter) remove bad tastes typical in stagnant water, while others add their own taste. As a precaution, carry a means of water purification to help in a pinch or if you realize you have underestimated your consumption needs.
Clothing
Nothing about the weather in and around Boston is certain but its variability. It is not a question of if the weather will change, but when. Even if it is a brilliant blue-sky morning when you prepare to head for the hiking trail, grab a fleece jacket or vest for later in the day when temperatures dip, especially in the deep shade of the woods. Taking along a waterproof, all-weather jacket made of a performance fabric is always an excellent idea. A lightweight jacket—a mood and possibly lifesaver, when weather conditions take a turn for the worse—also offers excellent protection against voracious bugs. Cotton is great for lounging around the house but not so great for outdoor activities during which you may be sweating one moment and getting chills the next. Choose your clothing wisely.
The person who packs a hat and mittens may suffer some teasing, but he or she may also wind up the envy of all when icy winds blow down from Canada, catching your hiking party unprepared. The same can be said of the one who thinks to bring wind and rain pants. Hypothermia can set in even when thermometers register temperatures above freezing.
And anyone who has gotten a blister or stubbed a toe knows the importance of wearing appropriate footwear. The best shoes for hiking are boots with solid ankle support. The sneakers or sandals you wear every day may feel more comfortable, but their flimsy soles mean more work for your feet and ankles when hiking over rough terrain.
Weather, unexpected trail conditions, fatigue, extended hiking duration, and wrong turns can individually or collectively turn a great outing into a very uncomfortable one at best—and a life-threatening one at worst. Thus, proper attire plays a key role in staying comfortable and, sometimes, in staying alive. Here are some helpful guidelines:
Choose silk, wool, or synthetic fabrics for maximum comfort in all of your hiking attire—including hats, socks, and everything in between. Cotton is fine if the weather remains dry and stable, but you won’t be happy if that material gets wet.
Always have a hat tucked into your day pack or hitched to your belt. Hats offer all-weather sun and wind protection as well as warmth if it turns cold.
Be ready to layer up or down as the day progresses and the mercury rises or falls. Today’s outdoor wear makes layering easy, with such designs as jackets that convert to vests and zip-off or button-up legs.
Wear hiking boots or sturdy hiking sandals with toe protection. Flip-flopping along a paved urban greenway is one thing, but never hike a trail in open sandals or casual sneakers. Your bones and arches need support, and your skin needs protection.
Pair that footwear with good socks. If you prefer not to sheathe your feet when wearing hiking sandals, tuck the socks into your day pack. You may need them if the weather plummets or if you hit rocky turf and pebbles begin to irritate your feet. And, in an emergency, if you have lost your gloves, you can use your socks as mittens.
Don’t leave rainwear behind, even if the day dawns clear and sunny. Tuck into your day pack, or tie around your waist, a jacket that is breathable and either water-resistant or waterproof. Investigate different choices at your local outdoors retailer. If you are a frequent hiker, ideally you’ll have more than one rainwear weight, material, and style in your closet to protect you in all seasons in your regional climate and hiking microclimates.
Essential Gear
Today you can buy outdoor vests that have up to 20 pockets shaped and sized to carry everything from toothpicks to binoculars. Or, if you don’t aspire to feel like a burro, you can neatly stow all of these items in your day pack or backpack. The following list showcases never-hike-without-them items, in alphabetical order, as all are important:
Extra clothes Raingear, warm hat, gloves, and change of socks and shirt
Extra food Trail mix, granola bars, or other high-energy foods
Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries
Insect repellent In some areas and seasons, this is vital.
Maps and a high-quality compass Even if you know the terrain from previous hikes, don’t leave home without these tools. And, as previously noted, bring maps in addition to those in this guidebook, and consult your maps prior to the hike. If you are versed in GPS usage, bring that device too, but don’t rely on it as your sole navigational tool, as battery life can dwindle or die. And be sure to compare its guidance with that of your maps.
Pocketknife and/or multitool, such as a Leatherman or Victorinox
Sunscreen Note the expiration date on the tube or bottle; it’s usually embossed on the top.
Water As emphasized more than once in this book, bring more than you think you will drink. Depending on your destination, you may want to bring a container and iodine or a filter for purifying water in case you run out.
Whistle This little gadget will be your best friend in an emergency.
Windproof matches and/or a lighter, as well as a fire starter
FIRST AID KIT
Besides all the aforementioned items, those below may appear overwhelming for a day hike. But any paramedic will tell you that the products listed here—in alphabetical order because all are important—are just the basics. The reality of hiking is that you can be out for a week of backpacking and acquire only a mosquito bite. Or you can hike for an hour, slip, and suffer a bleeding abrasion or broken bone. Fortunately, these items will collapse into a very small space. You may also purchase convenient, prepackaged kits at your pharmacy or on the Internet.
Adhesive bandages
Antibiotic ointment Neosporin or the generic equivalent
Athletic tape
Benadryl or the generic equivalent, diphenhydramine In case of allergic reactions
Blister kit, such as Moleskin/Spenco 2nd Skin
Butterfly-closure bandages
Elastic bandages or joint wraps
Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe Typically by prescription only, for people known to have severe allergic reactions to hiking occurrences such as bee stings
Gauze One roll and a half dozen 4-by-4-inch pads
Hydrogen peroxide or iodine
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Note: Consider your intended terrain and the number of hikers in your party before you exclude any article cited above. A botanical garden stroll may not inspire you to carry a complete kit, but anything beyond that warrants precaution. When hiking alone, you should always be prepared for a medical need. And if you are a twosome or with a group, one or more people in your party should be equipped with first aid materials.
General Safety
The following tips may have the familiar ring of your mother’s voice as you take note of them.
Always let someone know where you will be hiking and how long you expect to be gone. It’s a good idea to give that person a copy of your route, particularly if you are headed into any isolated area. Let them know when you return.
Always sign in and out of any trail registers provided. Don’t hesitate to comment on the trail condition if space is provided; that’s your opportunity to alert others to any problems you encounter.
Do not count on a cell phone for your safety. Reception may be spotty or nonexistent on the trail, even on an urban walk—especially if it is surrounded by towering trees.
Always carry food and water, even for a short hike. And bring more water than you think you will need. (That cannot be said often enough!)
Ask questions. State forest and park employees are there to help. It’s a lot easier to solicit advice before a problem occurs, and it will help you avoid a mishap away from civilization when it’s too late to amend an error.
Stay on designated trails. Even on the most clearly marked trails, there is usually a point where you have to stop and consider which way to go. If you become disoriented, don’t panic. As soon as you think you may be off track, stop, assess your current direction, and then retrace your steps to the point where you went astray. Using a map, a compass, and this book, and keeping in mind what you have passed thus far, reorient yourself, and trust your judgment on which way to head. If you become absolutely unsure of how to continue, return to your vehicle the way you came in. Should you become completely lost and have no idea how to find the trailhead, remaining in place along the trail and waiting for help is most often the best option for adults and always the best option for children.
Always carry a whistle, another precaution that cannot be overemphasized. It may be a lifesaver if you do become lost or sustain an injury.
Be especially careful when crossing streams. Whether you are fording the stream or crossing on a log, make every step count. If you have any doubt about maintaining your balance on a log, ford the stream instead: use a trekking pole or stout stick for balance and face upstream as you cross. If a stream seems too deep to ford, turn back. Whatever is on the other side is not worth risking your life.
Be careful at overlooks. While these areas may provide spectacular views, they are potentially hazardous. Stay back from the edge of outcrops, and make absolutely sure of your footing; a misstep can mean a nasty and possibly fatal fall.
Standing dead trees and storm-damaged living trees pose a significant hazard to hikers. These trees may have loose or broken limbs that could fall at any time. While walking beneath trees, and when choosing a spot to rest or enjoy your snack, look up!
Know the symptoms of subnormal body temperature, known as hypothermia. Shivering and forgetfulness are the two most common indicators of this stealthy killer. Hypothermia can occur at any elevation, even in the summer, especially when the hiker is wearing lightweight cotton clothing. If symptoms present themselves, get to shelter, hot liquids, and dry clothes as soon as possible.
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion (hyperthermia). Light-headedness and loss of energy are the first two indicators. If you feel these symptoms, find some shade, drink your water, remove as many layers of clothing as practical, and stay put until you cool down. Marching through heat exhaustion leads to heatstroke, which can be fatal. If you should be sweating and you’re not, that’s the signature warning sign. Your hike is over at that point—heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can cause seizures, convulsions, and eventually death. If you or a companion reaches that point, do whatever can be done to cool the victim down, and seek medical attention immediately.
Most important of all, take along your brain. A cool, calculating mind is the single-most important asset on the trail. It allows you to think before you act.
In summary: Plan ahead. Watch your step. Avoid accidents before they happen. Enjoy a rewarding and relaxing hike.
Watchwords for Flora and Fauna
Hikers should remain aware of the following concerns regarding plant- and wildlife, described in alphabetical order.
BLACK BEARS
Though attacks by black bears are uncommon, the sight or approach of a bear can give anyone a start. If you encounter a bear while hiking, remain calm and avoid running in any direction. Make loud noises to scare off the bear, and back away slowly. In primitive and remote areas, assume bears are present. In more-developed sites, check on the current bear situation prior to hiking.
Every now and then, you’ll see stories on the Boston news of a black bear wandering around a suburban neighborhood. It’s rare, but not impossible. Most encounters are motivated by food, as bears have an exceptional sense of smell and not particularly discriminating tastes. While this is of greater concern to backpackers and campers, on a day hike, you may plan a lunchtime picnic or munch on an energy bar or other snack from time to time. If you see a black bear approaching as you’re having lunch, it’s best to leave your lunch and be on your way. Remain aware and alert, and you should be fine.
BLACK FLIES
Black flies are not dangerous, but they are certainly pests and a maddening annoyance. The worst a black fly will cause is an itchy welt. They are most active mid-May–June, during the day, and especially before thunderstorms, as well as during the morning and evening hours. Insect repellent has some effect (especially if it contains DEET), though the only way to keep out of their swarming midst is to keep moving.
MOSQUITOES
One of the advantages of hiking in fall, winter, or early spring is the absence of biting insects. The greater Boston area certainly has its share of winged tormentors. As a rule, conditions that suppress bugs include stiff breezes, dry air, and frost. Conversely, these airborne pests love windless, humid air. When preparing for a hike, approach the bug issue as you would the weather: dress appropriately. Wearing a long-sleeved cotton shirt and loose cotton pants gives excellent protection from the swarms of mosquitoes that materialize around wetlands and elsewhere when the heat of the sun subsides in the later afternoon. Unlike mosquitoes and black flies, greenheads—a fierce variety of horsefly—pose a threat only in areas near the salt marshes where they breed. Greenhead season on Crane Beach and Plum Island usually runs from mid-July through the first week of August.
In some areas, mosquitoes are known to carry the West Nile or Triple E (eastern equine encephalitis) virus, so take precautions to avoid their bites. Ward them off with insect repellent and/or repellent-impregnated clothing. A note about DEET: Though the EPA deems this repellent to be safe, the agency also advises limiting its use and washing it off when protection is no longer needed. Before you reach for insect repellent, strike out on the trail just to see what you’ll need. Have it handy, but know that you won’t necessarily need to use it.
POISON IVY, OAK, AND SUMAC
Recognizing poison ivy, oak, and sumac and avoiding contact with them is the most effective way to prevent the painful, itchy rashes associated with these plants. In the Northeast, poison ivy ranges from a thick, tree-hugging vine to a shaded ground cover, three leaflets to a leaf; poison oak occurs as either a vine or a shrub, with three leaflets as well; and poison sumac flourishes in swampland, each leaf containing 7–13 leaflets. Urushiol, the oil in the sap of these plants, is responsible for the rash. Usually within 12–14 hours of exposure (but sometimes much later), raised lines and/or blisters will appear, accompanied by a terrible itch. Refrain from scratching because bacteria under the fingernails can cause infection. Wash and dry the rash thoroughly, applying a calamine lotion to help dry it out. If itching or blistering is severe, seek medical attention. Remember to wash not only any exposed parts of your body but also clothes, gear, and pets, as they can transmit the oil to you or someone else.
Photo: Tom Watson
Photo: Jane Huber
SNAKES
Spend some time hiking in and around Boston and you may be surprised by the variety of snakes you encounter. Most snakes sighted will be garter snakes, black racers, brown snakes, harmless water snakes, and perhaps the flashy, slender eastern ribbon snake. All but two of Massachusetts’s 14 native snake species are harmless. The state’s two venomous species, the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, are not only shy and reclusive but also woefully rare. The most likely place you’ll see a timber rattler sunning itself is in the Blue Hills Reservation. Despite great efforts to protect them, both snakes are listed as endangered, and therefore it is illegal to harass, kill, collect, or possess them. To calm your fears or add interest to your hiking experience, consider spending a few minutes studying snakes before heading into the woods. If you do have the good fortune of spotting a snake while hiking, treat it with respect: give it a wide berth, and let it go its way.
Photo: Jane Huber
The best rule is to leave all snakes alone, giving them plenty of space as you hike past and making sure any hiking companions (including dogs) do the same. When hiking, stick to well-used trails, and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. Do not step or put your hands beyond your range of detailed visibility, and avoid wandering around in the dark. Step onto logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks. Always avoid walking through dense brush or willow thickets.
TICKS
Ticks are often found on brush and tall grass, where they seem to be waiting to hitch a ride on a warm-blooded passerby. Adult ticks are most active April–May and again October–November. Among the varieties of ticks, the black-legged tick, commonly called the deer tick, is the primary carrier of Lyme disease. Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier for you to spot ticks before they migrate to your skin. At the end of the hike, visually check your hair, the back of your neck, your armpits, and your socks. During your posthike shower, take a moment to do a more complete body check.
For ticks that are already embedded, removal with tweezers is best. Grasp the tick close to your skin, and remove it by pulling straight out firmly. Do your best to remove the head, but do not twist. Use disinfectant solution on the wound. Don’t panic if you are bit by a tick, but do respond quickly. Ticks need to be embedded for 24–48 hours to transmit any toxins. And even after that, you have about a week to begin an antibiotic regimen to ward off infection. If you see the telltale bull’s-eye rash around the bite, contact your doctor. Try to save the tick itself in a plastic bag for identification if you can.
Hunting
Separate rules, regulations, and licenses govern the various types of hunting (bow, shotgun, and black powder) and related seasons. Though there are generally no problems, hikers may wish to forgo trips during late fall, when the woods suddenly seem filled with orange and camouflage. At the very least, be cautious, wear hunter orange, and stay on the trails. Hunting is allowed in many state forests and parks throughout Massachusetts, including the following that are profiled in this book:
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
Franklin State Forest
Douglas State Forest
Sandy Point State Reservation
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
Willowdale State Forest
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Here are the official hunting rules and regulations as spelled out on the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) website:
Hunting is allowed in many state forests and parks, as well as DCR watershed properties. It is good practice to contact the individual park or forest to learn about special regulations before you arrive.
Hunters must comply with all relevant hunting laws and regulations. Additional hunting regulations specific to DCR properties include:
You can’t hunt, trap, or discharge a firearm within 500 feet of the border of a DCR-designated campsite or camping structure, including those along the Appalachian Trail.
You can’t hunt within 500 feet of any DCR-designated picnic area, camping area, residence, service building, parking lot, camping structure, or designated swimming area.
You can’t install a permanent tree stand on DCR property. A permanent tree stand is a hunting platform or structure attached to a tree by nails, bolts, wire, or other fasteners that go through the bark into the wood. The tree stand may not be in place longer than 30 days.
HUNTING HOURS
Hunting hours are generally 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, with the following exceptions:
Pheasant hunting hours for properties stocked with pheasants are sunrise–sunset.
Waterfowl hunting hours end at sunset.
Coyote and fox hunting hours end at midnight.
Hunting waterfowl on the coast is permitted on DCR property in the intertidal zone. This is the land between the high- and low-water marks.
Here are a couple of helpful links with Massachusetts hunting rules and regulations that are updated fairly regularly:
mass.gov/topics/hunting-fishing
eregulations.com/massachusetts/huntingandfishing
Trail Etiquette
Always treat the trail, wildlife, and fellow hikers with respect. Here are some guidelines to remember.
Plan ahead in order to be self-sufficient at all times. For example, carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-planned trip brings satisfaction to you and to others.
Hike on open trails only. In seasons or construction areas where road or trail closures may be a possibility, use the website addresses or phone numbers shown in the “Contact” line for each hike to check conditions prior to heading out. Do not attempt to circumvent such closures.
Avoid trespassing on private land, and obtain all permits and authorization as required. Leave gates as you find them or as directed by signage.
Be courteous to other hikers, bikers, equestrians, and anyone else you encounter on the trails.
Never spook wild animals or pets. An unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise startles most critters, and a surprised animal can be dangerous to you, to others, and to itself. Give animals plenty of space.
Observe the yield signs around the region’s trailheads and backcountry. Typically, they advise hikers to yield to horses, and bikers to yield to both horses and hikers. On hills, hikers and bikers should yield to any uphill traffic. When encountering mounted riders, hikers can courteously step off the trail, on the downhill side if possible. So the horse can see and hear you, calmly greet the riders before they reach you, and do not dart behind trees. Resist the urge to pet horses unless you are invited to do so.
Stay on the existing trail, and do not blaze any new trails.
Be sure to pack out what you pack in, leaving only your footprints. No one likes to see the trash someone else has left behind.
Tips on Enjoying Hiking in Boston
The Boston area is rich with history, dramatic scenery, beautiful forests, impressive rock formations, pristine lakes and rivers, spectacular shorelines, and plenty of places where you can find a bit of wilderness to call your own for an afternoon. And it’s all quite close. This guide profiles 60 of what we feel are some of the nicer hikes within the immediate Boston area, but there are certainly others. Grab a DeLorme Massachusetts Atlas & Gazetteer, this book, and any maps you may have of the area, and go exploring. In short order, you can feel like you are miles from anywhere and anyone.
I am always a big fan of combining two activities, and there is ample opportunity to do that with many of these hikes. Many are near one of the state park campgrounds, such as Harold Parker State Forest or Wompatuck State Park, so you could combine a camping trip with a hike or two.
If you’re more ambitious, you can also do a bit of rock climbing while hiking and exploring Purgatory Chasm or the Hammond Pond hike. Any of the hikes on or near water, such as Spectacle Island, Ashland State Park, or Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, can also involve some kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. And most of these hikes are in state forests or parks that also permit mountain biking.
Or if you’d just like to relax on the beach after a hike, Crane Beach, Sandy Point State Reservation, or Douglas State Forest would be perfect. Check the 60 Hikes by Category table to see what hikes might fit in with the other activities you have in mind. And enjoy your adventure.
It’s well worth spending some time on the beach at Nasketucket Bay State Reservation.
